The friends met there as often as they could after that. In the safety of their haven, they told their deepest darkest secrets, and their trust for one another grew deeper than ever.

"I've never been kissed." Red said one day, sitting on the edge of the creek, staring at the cold water rushing below her feet.

Ike would have laughed but for the seriousness on her face. "Well, if it makes you feel better, I haven't either."

"Oh, but you will." she said, sure of it. "Everyone likes you. They don't like me."

Isaac started to protest, but stopped. It was true. Whenever the kids on the street had a game, they would never invite Red to play.

"Well, before you're an old maid, I'll kiss you." he joked.

"Will you?" she said with hope in her voice, not looking at him.

Isaac squirmed, but when he saw the look on her face, he nodded, blushing. "Yeah."

"Promise?" she asked, clear blue eyes staring into his.

"Promise."

"You know another thing, Ike?" she said after a while.

"What?"

"I hate water. It's scary. You can drown in it." she said softly, eyes watching the creek.

Isaac turned to stare at her. "Really?"

"Yeah." she smiled lopsidedly. "I don't mind a small creek, but large pools and stuff scare me. Call it waterphobia."

"I think it's called aquaphobia."